Brielle’s POV

My birthday was only a few days away, and despite everything that had fallen apart between Xavier and me, the mansion was already alive with activity before the sun had fully risen. Omegas hurried through the corridors carrying boxes, ribbons, and folded banners.

For one brief, foolish second, hope flickered inside me.

Maybe… just maybe… it was for me.

Xavier had always gone all out for my birthdays. He used to say the Moon Goddess must have chosen that day herself, blessing his life by bringing me into it. Two years ago, he had transformed the garden into a sea of glowing lanterns, tiny lights floating in the dark like fireflies. That night, he gave me a moonstone necklace, telling me the stone reflected the quiet strength he saw in me. Last year, he organized a grand celebration that stretched until dawn, filled with music, laughter, and his arm wrapped around my shoulders the entire time.

So when I saw colorful banners being unpacked, boxes labeled “decorations,” and caught the warm, sweet scent of honey cake drifting from the kitchen, a small spark ignited in my chest.

Maybe he was trying to fix things.

Maybe he hadn’t completely forgotten the woman he left standing alone at the altar.

But when the final decoration plans arrived that afternoon, that fragile hope shattered before it even had a chance to grow.

I unrolled the blueprint across the long oak table in the hall, my fingers pausing mid-motion as I stared down at it. This wasn’t anything like the elegant, romantic celebrations Xavier used to plan. There were no silver accents, no moonlight themes, no subtle elegance.

Instead, bright balloons filled the design. Cartoon wolves decorated the corners. Little paw prints scattered across the layout.

I blinked slowly, convinced there had been some mistake.

“This… doesn’t look right,” I murmured quietly to the omega who handed me the design.

She shifted uncomfortably. “Alpha Xavier confirmed these are the final arrangements, Lady Brielle.”

I thanked her softly, though my chest tightened, then headed straight for Xavier’s office. With each step, dread crept deeper into my stomach. His door stood slightly open, and I could hear his voice before I even knocked—calm, composed, confident. The voice of an Alpha who believed everything was under control.

“Come in,” he called, not even glancing up as I entered.

“Alpha,” I greeted gently. “I just saw the decoration designs.”

He lifted his head briefly. “Oh? Good. What do you think?”

“I think they’re…” I hesitated, searching for the right word. “A bit childish.”

“Exactly,” he replied immediately, his pen continuing to move across the documents on his desk. “It’s meant for children. It’s Liam’s birthday celebration, after all.”

My breath caught in my throat.

“Liam’s… birthday?”

He looked up again, puzzled by my reaction. “Yes. It’s this Saturday. You should attend too. It’ll show the pack that things between us are still harmonious.”

Saturday.

My pulse began to race. “Alpha,” I said carefully, “Saturday is also my birthday.”

His eyebrows knit together as he tried to recall. Then, a brief flicker of realization crossed his face before it disappeared beneath indifference.

“Oh,” he said casually. “Right.”

Right.

That was it.

Silence settled heavily between us. I waited—hoping he’d say something more, offer an apology, at least acknowledge how much that hurt. But he simply lowered his gaze and resumed signing papers, as though my birthday were a minor detail not worth further thought.

There was a time when he counted down the days with me.

Now, he barely remembered.

I stood there, humiliation burning beneath my skin. Then, as if that wasn’t enough, he spoke again.

“By the way, your parents’ pack hasn’t sent their monthly support yet. Have you contacted them?”

My jaw tightened. “Support?” I echoed.

He nodded. “Yes. The Moonveil Pack usually sends contributions to help strengthen our resources. I was wondering if there’s been a delay. Maybe you could remind them.”

A hollow laugh nearly escaped me. My chest tightened painfully. “That’s what concerns you? My family’s contribution?”

He looked at me calmly. “It’s not about the money. It’s about maintaining alliances.”

I didn’t want to hear another word.

I turned and walked out before my anger spilled over into something I couldn’t take back.

By the time I reached the hallway, my hands were shaking. The image of his calm, detached expression lingered in my mind.

So this was what I had become to him.

Not his future Luna.

Not his mate.

Just a link to a powerful, wealthy pack. A convenient alliance.

That night, moonlight filtered gently into my room, casting soft shadows along the walls. I sat quietly at the edge of my bed, watching the shifting shapes while my wolf stirred restlessly inside me.

I didn’t plan what I did next.

I simply followed the ache in my chest, the faint bond that still pulled me toward him, even when it hurt.

Barefoot and silent, I walked down the hallway toward his quarters.

The scent reached me first.

Vanilla and rosewater.

Not mine.

Not the earthy scent that usually surrounded him.

Then I heard voices.

Soft, breathy sounds. A woman’s moan. And then—

His voice.

“Victoria… you’re incredible. So much better than Brielle. She just lies there like a lifeless log.”

The words cut through me like silver.

I froze outside the door, my breath trapped in my throat. My hands went cold, my heart skipping before shattering all at once.

I didn’t move.

I didn’t even cry at first.

I just stood there, numb, listening to the sounds of betrayal spilling through the door.

Inside me, my wolf let out a broken howl—rage, heartbreak, disbelief tangled together. I pressed my hand over my mouth, forcing back the sob threatening to escape, then turned and ran down the hallway, my bare feet silent against the marble floor.

By the time I reached my room, tears blurred my vision. My body trembled as I grabbed my phone, my fingers shaking so badly I nearly dropped it.

I dialed my brother.

He answered after two rings, his voice warm and steady. “Brielle? It’s late. Is everything alright?”

Hearing him broke whatever control I had left.

“Benedict…” My voice cracked. “He… he betrayed me.”

“What?” His tone sharpened immediately. “Who?”

“Alpha Xavier,” I whispered, choking on my tears. “He… he didn’t show up at our wedding because he was saving his child. With another woman. Victoria—his childhood sweetheart. She has his son. He’s been lying to me the entire time.”

Silence followed.

A dangerous silence filled with restrained fury.

“He did what?” Benedict’s voice dropped, his Alpha authority bleeding through. I could almost feel his power surge even through the phone. “I’ll gather our warriors right now. He won’t get away with this, Sam.”

“No!” I said quickly. “Please don’t.”

He hesitated. “Brielle—”

“I don’t want war,” I said firmly, though my voice trembled. “Just give me until my birthday. After that… I’ll leave Stormvale. For good.”

“Brielle…” His voice softened, laced with pain. “You don’t deserve any of this. You should’ve told me sooner.”

“I know.” My voice broke again. “I kept hoping he’d change… that maybe the man I loved was still there.”

“Then let him live with his choices,” Benedict said quietly. “And when you leave, make sure he understands exactly what he lost.”

“Thank you, Ben,” I whispered. “I just need a few more days. I’ll be alright.”

After we ended the call, I sat there for a long time, holding the phone close to my chest.

Outside, the full moon glowed pale and distant, silently watching everything unfold.

That night, I finally accepted the truth I had been avoiding.

Alpha Xavier Raven of the Stormvale Pack was no longer mine.

Maybe he never truly had been.

And on my birthday—the day he forgot—I would reclaim what he had taken from me.

My freedom.

My pride.

And the shattered pieces of my heart.

Brielle’s POV

The dining hall carried the warm scent of roasted meat and freshly baked bread, but even that comforting aroma couldn’t soften the tension thickening the air. I sat quietly across from Alpha Xavier, my appetite long gone, while Victoria Blackwell spoon-fed her son like she belonged at the head of the table. Her laughter echoed brightly through the hall, light but edged with something mocking. When our eyes met, she didn’t even pretend to look away.

Instead, she tilted her head deliberately, exposing the smooth curve of her neck. My stomach twisted. Dark hickeys bloomed across her skin—fresh, unmistakable. That space should have held my mate’s mark someday, but instead, it bore evidence of her nights with him. She wasn’t even trying to hide them. Each bruise felt like a deliberate insult, a silent reminder of what she had taken.

Xavier didn’t appear bothered in the slightest.

He focused entirely on Liam, carefully slicing the boy’s meat into smaller pieces. When Liam thanked him, Xavier smiled gently, his expression soft in a way I hadn’t seen directed at me in weeks. I watched that quiet moment, the tenderness of a father, the scene I once imagined sharing with him when we had our own pup.

Foolish.

Victoria’s voice pulled me from my thoughts. “Brielle, would you mind passing the juice? It’s closer to you.” Her tone was sugary sweet, but the innocence in it felt fake.

I glanced at the pitcher, then back at her. “You’re perfectly capable of reaching it yourself.” My words came out sharper than I intended, but I didn’t bother softening them.

The table fell silent.

Xavier placed his fork down with a sharp clang. “Brielle.” His voice carried a warning. “Is it really so hard to do a simple favor without creating an issue?”

Under the table, I clenched my fists, my wolf stirring restlessly inside me—hurt, humiliated, ready to snap. But I swallowed the surge of emotion, picked up the pitcher, and poured juice into her glass.

Victoria smiled, smug satisfaction gleaming in her eyes.

“Thank you,” she murmured sweetly, her tone as smooth and poisonous as silk.

For a moment, I imagined throwing the glass straight at her face.

Xavier leaned back in his chair, studying me, his irritation shifting into something colder. “Brielle, has Moonveil Pack transferred the funds yet? We’ll need extra budget for Liam’s birthday.”

For Liam.

Not for me. Not even though the money came from my family.

My jaw tightened. “You’re asking about money again?”

“It’s for the pack,” he replied calmly. “You know Stormvale doesn’t have the same wealth as Moonveil. If you could ask your parents—”

A bitter laugh escaped me, cutting him off. “No, Alpha. There won’t be any more funds. I’ve already told my parents to stop sending money to Stormvale. You have more than enough businesses and resources to support your own pack.”

The entire table fell silent.

Xavier’s expression darkened immediately. “What did you just say?” His voice dropped, low and dangerous.

“You heard me,” I answered, holding his gaze. “No more money.”

His palm slammed against the wooden table the next second, the loud crack echoing across the hall. Liam flinched, and Victoria gasped softly—though I noticed the faint curl of satisfaction at the corner of her lips.

“Do you realize what you’ve done?” Xavier growled. “You’re cutting off the very support that keeps this pack running. That supports you.”

I rose slowly from my seat, forcing calm into my voice. “Maybe it’s time you stopped relying on my parents’ generosity and started standing on your own.”

His eyes burned with anger. He shoved his chair back so abruptly it scraped loudly against the floor. “You’re unbelievable,” he snapped before storming out of the dining hall.

Victoria quickly stood, lifting Liam into her arms as she followed him, as though worried I might do something to them.

But I remained where I was, trembling.

My nails dug into my palms as I tried to steady myself. Inside, my wolf whimpered softly, confused and wounded. How had things fallen apart so badly? How had the man who once promised to cherish me above all else become someone who saw me as nothing more than a financial bridge?

Hours later, the mansion buzzed with activity again.

Visitors had arrived—mostly other Alphas. Their deep laughter echoed from Xavier’s office, loud and carefree. I walked quietly through the corridor toward my guest room, hoping to avoid them. But as I neared the office, their conversation drifted out, sharp and unmistakable.

“I heard the wedding with Brielle didn’t happen,” one Alpha remarked with a chuckle.

“Didn’t happen?” another laughed loudly. “Xavier never planned on showing up in the first place.”

Their laughter grew louder.

My breath caught.

Then Xavier’s voice joined them, relaxed and almost amused. “Still, all the wedding preparations paid off. Moonveil transferred hundreds of thousands before the event. Easy money.”

I froze where I stood.

“So you never intended to marry her?” another Alpha asked.

“Why would I?” Xavier replied casually, arrogance thick in his tone. “She’s useful leverage. Her pack is wealthy, and I needed funding for Stormvale’s expansion.”

More laughter erupted.

My heart shattered.

Through the slight gap in the partially open door, I caught sight of the room. Victoria sat comfortably on Xavier’s lap, her hands sliding across his chest as she pressed kisses along his collarbone. None of the other Alphas seemed surprised.

I bit my lip until I tasted blood.

Victoria’s voice purred softly. “So what happens now, darling? I heard Brielle told her parents to stop sending money.”

Xavier smirked. “If she still wants to eat and live comfortably here, she’ll change her mind soon enough. I’m not spending a single coin to support her stay in my pack.”

Cruel laughter followed.

Something inside me broke.

I pressed my trembling hand against my chest as tears slipped down my cheeks. My wolf howled in anguish—hurt, humiliation, rage all tangled together. Every word I heard felt like another blade carving into me. The love I had clung to, the loyalty I had protected despite everything, suddenly felt painfully foolish.

I staggered away from the door, each step heavier than the last. My vision blurred, my throat tightening painfully. The truth had finally revealed itself.

All this time, I was never his Luna.

I was a pawn.

A source of wealth.

A convenient alliance.

When I reached my room, I collapsed onto the bed, sobs finally breaking free. My mind replayed every memory we shared—his promises, the warmth in his eyes, the laughter when we talked about our future.

None of it had ever been real.

Brielle’s POV

The morning of my birthday arrived wrapped in sunshine that felt almost mocking. The Stormvale mansion glittered with decorations—gold and blue banners draped from balconies, ribbons tied along railings, and servants rushing back and forth carrying cakes, wrapped gifts, and trays of food. Laughter filled the corridors, loud and lively.

But none of it belonged to me.

Not anymore.

Today had also been declared Liam’s birthday—or rather, Alpha Xavier had decided it would be. My special day had been swallowed whole by the child’s celebration, leaving me reduced to nothing more than another face in the crowd on what used to be mine.

When I stepped into the grand hall, conversations faltered. Heads turned. I felt the weight of their stares, heavy and uncomfortable. Some looked at me with sympathy, others with curiosity, and a few with open judgment. Whispers rippled through the room like quiet waves.

Everyone knew.

The rejected bride.

The Luna-to-be who was never claimed.

The daughter of the wealthy Moonveil Pack who had been used, then cast aside when she was no longer useful.

Even so, I straightened my shoulders and walked forward with quiet dignity. My silver gown shimmered softly beneath the chandeliers, catching the light with every step. I carried myself with the pride of my lineage, refusing to let them see the cracks forming beneath my calm expression.

At the center of the hall stood Alpha Xavier, commanding attention as always. His arm rested comfortably around Victoria’s waist. She wore a crimson dress that hugged her figure, her smile bright and triumphant. She looked like she owned everything around her.

And perhaps she did—at least, she owned what used to be mine.

I moved toward the refreshment table, pretending not to notice the lingering gazes. My fingers wrapped around a wine glass, and I poured myself a drink just to keep my hands from shaking. The liquid sloshed slightly as I lifted it.

“Brielle,” a gentle, honey-sweet voice called behind me.

I turned slowly.

Victoria Blackwell approached, her smile polished but hollow. The scent of jasmine clung to her, thick and overwhelming, making my stomach twist.

“Happy birthday,” she said brightly. Then she tilted her head, her lips curling faintly. “Or maybe I should say… happy Liam’s day instead?” She let out a soft laugh that scraped against my nerves.

I said nothing. I simply watched her, waiting for whatever cruelty she had prepared.

She leaned closer, her breath brushing against my ear. “I heard you can’t have children anymore,” she murmured softly, her voice coated with false concern.

My heart stumbled.

“Didn’t Xavier tell you?” she continued, her tone dropping into something colder. “He admitted it to me himself. He poisoned you. He didn’t want you carrying his pup, Brielle. He even said he’d rather never have children at all than have one with you.”

For a moment, everything around me faded.

I couldn’t move. I couldn’t breathe. Her words echoed in my mind, shattering something deep inside me. Months earlier, when the pack doctor delivered the devastating news that I couldn’t conceive, I had broken down completely. Xavier had held me that night, whispering comforting words, telling me he didn’t care about children—that I alone was enough.

So it had been him.

He had taken that dream from me himself.

Victoria leaned back slightly, her smile sharpening. “He doesn’t love you, Brielle. What he loves is your family’s wealth. You’re nothing more than a convenient source of money… a walking bank account.”

Something inside me finally snapped.

Before I could stop myself, my hand moved.

Slap!

The sharp sound rang through the hall. Victoria stumbled backward, her hand flying to her cheek, shock flashing across her face. Conversations halted as everyone turned toward us.

“What’s happening here?” Xavier’s voice thundered as he pushed through the crowd.

He went straight to Victoria, wrapping an arm protectively around her shoulders. Instantly, tears welled in her eyes, spilling down her cheeks.

“She slapped me, Xavier!” she cried, her voice trembling. “I was just trying to speak with her peacefully!”

I shook my head, stepping back. “She’s lying! Tell them what you told me!”

But Xavier didn’t even spare me a glance. His eyes burned with anger. “Brielle,” he said tightly, “have you completely lost control of yourself?”

“She provoked me!” I protested desperately. “Ask her what she said—”

“Enough!” His Alpha voice cracked across the hall, heavy with authority. My wolf whimpered instantly, forced into submission by his dominance.

Before I could react, two guards approached and grabbed my arms roughly.

“Xavier, what are you doing?” I cried, panic rising in my chest.

He faced the crowd, his expression calm but cold. “For striking a guest and causing a scene during a celebration,” he announced, “Brielle will kneel and reflect on her actions.”

“Reflect?” Victoria whispered, wiping fake tears. “Please, Xavier… don’t punish her too harshly. I forgive her.”

He shot me a hard look. “Kneel on salt until the celebration ends. Perhaps you’ll finally learn humility.”

My breath caught. “No—please—”

But the guards forced me down.

My knees hit the rough grains of salt scattered across the marble floor. Pain shot through my legs instantly, sharp and burning, but the humiliation hurt far more.

Dozens of people watched as I knelt there. Some looked away awkwardly, others stared openly. I heard hushed murmurs, and somewhere, a phone camera clicked. Tears slid down my cheeks, falling onto the salt that soon turned red as my skin scraped open.

I wanted to scream. I wanted to shift and tear everything apart. But my wolf remained weak, crushed beneath Xavier’s Alpha aura.

Then—

“May I have everyone’s attention!” the announcer’s voice rang out. “It’s time for a special message from Miss Victoria Blackwell on behalf of her son, Liam!”

All eyes shifted to the stage. Victoria walked up gracefully, dabbing at her fake tears. I remained kneeling, trembling, blood slowly staining the salt beneath me.

She smiled into the microphone. “Thank you all for being here,” she began warmly. “I prepared a small presentation for my son.”

The lights dimmed.

The screen flickered on.

But instead of cheerful birthday images, a sound echoed through the speakers.

Ah… Xavier… don’t stop…

Gasps rippled through the hall. My heart lurched.

The moans were unmistakable—hers and his—playing loudly for everyone to hear.

Then Xavier’s voice followed, clear and undeniable. “I’ll marry you soon, Victoria. I promise. You and our son, Liam, deserve everything. Brielle is only a stepping stone.”

Shock exploded through the room. Whispers erupted, wolves turning to stare at me, horror and pity mixing in their expressions.

Victoria covered her mouth, feigning panic. “Oh no… I don’t know how that played… I’m so sorry—”

But when her eyes met mine, she smirked.

That tiny curl of satisfaction revealed everything. It wasn’t an accident. She planned this. She wanted to humiliate me completely.

I struggled to breathe. My vision spun, voices blending into meaningless noise.

Suddenly, a strong hand gripped my arm.

Startled, I looked up.

A tall man stood beside me, cloaked and unfamiliar. His scent was powerful, different, foreign.

“Who—” I began.

“Don’t speak,” he murmured quietly. His tone was calm but firm. “Your brother sent me. I’m here to take you away.”

Before I could react, he pulled me upright. The guards moved to stop him, but he moved faster, knocking them aside effortlessly. Chaos erupted as the crowd screamed.

Xavier’s Alpha voice roared, shaking the hall. “Brielle!”

I glanced back once—only once.

He was pushing through the crowd, fury blazing in his eyes, his aura dark and overwhelming. But I didn’t stop.

The stranger wrapped an arm around my waist, and we rushed through the corridors, past open doors, and out into the cold night air. The chill bit into my skin, but I barely felt it.

My body trembled, my heart shattering piece by piece. I leaned against him, too numb to speak.

Behind us, Xavier’s furious voice echoed faintly into the night, filled with anger and desperation.

But I didn’t turn around again.

I was finished with him.

Finished with Stormvale.

Finished with every lie.